I-League 2021-22 Live: The region of Kashmir has seen a lot of upheaval and frequent strife, not exactly the best place to run a football club. Real Kashmir FC have not only overcome the odds to reach this stage, but heading into this year’s I-League, the club is one of the favourites to take the title back home. And for the people in Kashmir, who are not exactly used to good news in recent times, the win will mean a lot more. Follow I-League live updates on InsideSport.IN
Scottish manager coach David Robertson knows exactly how tough the journey has been, having been a part of the club for five years now. And the aim is to give something back to the community and help youngsters take to the beautiful game and in the process aspire for a better life. He has been so invested in the journey that he has brought his son along for the ride. Mason Robertson is the current skipper.
David Robertson has also received a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the local community.
I-League 2021-22 Live: Consistent Real Kashmir seek to go the distance this time around, want to win the title for their fans
“Real Kashmir being a part of the I-League is a big thing back home and it should give youngsters and kids hope to play the sport. That way, we can change the youth culture and inspire them to reach bigger goals. Kashmir has lot of good talent which many might not be aware of.
“Recently our star player Danish Farooq made a move to the ISL, another great success story for Kashmir. We have three-four young Kashmiri players in our ranks like Zahid Yousif, Farhan Ganie. We are trying to develop local players and are trying to build a proper academy structure. It will take time but the future is bright,” the Scotsman remarked.
Since their entry into the I-League in the 2018-19 season, Real Kashmir have come close to achieving their ultimate aim but have fallen short at the final hurdle. The consistency displayed by the club has impressed the former Rangers defender but he knows it is time the team kicks on.
I-League 2021-22 Live: Consistent Real Kashmir seek to go the distance this time around, want to win the title for their fans
Even last season, the team started off with a nine-game unbeaten run only to fall off in the closing stages. And to remedy that aspect, the team have built a deeper squad while adding players with championship winning experience. And the other positive factor going in their favour is David Robertson staying on as manager which has meant a similar style of play can be worked on and the structure remains the same.
“The trend in India is to keep chopping and changing. Due to nature of the beast, coaches come and go. Me being here for five years now means there is consistency in patterns of play and player turnover also remains low
I-League 2021-22 Live: Consistent Real Kashmir seek to go the distance this time around, want to win the title for their fans
“Our owner Sandeep Chattoo has helped and has trusted me to take care of the player side of things. This stability is very important as building from scratch every season not helpful. But now it is about taking that final step and challenge.”
𝗪𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 🛡
Snow Leopards did it again by retaining the IFA Shield Trophy this year 💪🏻🛡@realkashmirfc @nitishwarKumar @manojsinha_ @AmbLindnerIndia @ILeagueOfficial @ILeagueOfficial @ianuragthakur @JKSportsCouncil @RKFC_LEOPARDS @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/oR6QWN8Rlm
— Real Kashmir FC (@realkashmirfc) December 15, 2021
I-League 2021-22 Live: Consistent Real Kashmir seek to go the distance this time around, want to win the title for their fans
